'Godzilla' Korean American actress dies at 18 in tragic traffic accident

[Financial News] Kaylee Hottle, a Korean American actress who appeared in two films in the 'Godzilla' franchise, died in a traffic accident on the 21st local time. She was 18.
According to AP on the 22nd, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office in Maryland said that at around 3 a.m. that day, a 1995 Honda Accord veered off a two-lane road in both directions in Ijamsville and crashed into a drainage structure in a single-vehicle accident, killing one person.
Hottle, who was in the vehicle, was airlifted to a hospital after the crash but later died. The driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and another passenger reportedly refused treatment.
Local police are investigating the exact circumstances and believe speeding caused the crash.
Hottle, who was deaf, overcame her disability and built a distinctive career in the media content industry. She gained global recognition for playing Jia, a character who communicates with the title monster Kong through sign language, in 'Godzilla vs. Kong' (2021) and 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' (2024). She was also expanding her presence in Hollywood, including a nomination for Best Young Actor at the 2024 Saturn Awards.
Hottle's father, Joshua Hottle, said on Facebook, "I am grateful for the 18 years we had together, but I am deeply saddened that we could not have more time together."

[email protected] Sung Min-seo Reporter